Serpentine Belt Replacement

If you’re in need of a new serpentine belt they are fairly quick and easy to replace.  One thing we notice is that when changing out the serpentine belt there is the chance of discovering the belt tensioner or idler has failed.  Quite possibly just releasing the tension from the tensioner or idler is too much for it to bear as it was on the verge of breaking. 

WHAT IS A SERPENTINE BELT REPLACEMENT?

The serpentine belt winds its way through the engine, connecting multiple components to the crankshaft pulley. This belt, made of strong rubber, eventually wears down and needs to be replaced to keep the engine running properly.  The belt is the one you see when you lift the hood and perhaps remove a cover or two.  This belt wraps around the engine crankshaft and then powers the other devices on your motor such as A/C, power steering or the alternator. 

RECOMMENDATIONS

When you see signs of cracking or frayed ends it is time to replace.  If that belt breaks you will be stuck in the spot until it gets replaced.  You should replace a worn or damaged belt before it causes damage to the engine components.

HOW DO I KNOW IF IT’S TIME TO REPLACE THE SERPENTINE BELT?

First you want to look for unusual wear such as small cracks or fraying at the ends.  Common symptoms of a failing serpentine belt are a squealing noise coming from the engine, and the loss of power steering or air conditioning.

AVERAGE COST

$80 to $300 depending on the vehicle. 

CAN I DO IT MYSELF?

You can but they can be very tricky to do properly.  

SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT

Spark plugs ignite the fuel in your engine and create the energy to power your vehicle.  If they’re not working properly the engine might not run at all or cause serious expensive damage to your vehicle. 

HOW IS A SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT DONE?

First you need to remove covers and any other components blocking access to all the spark plugs.  Then carefully remove the wires and spark plugs from the motor, making sure the engine has cooled first.  Remove the spark plug cable from the top of the spark plug, then unscrew them from the engine and examine them. If they are no longer functioning, they will be either coated with carbon or damaged.

WHEN IS IT TIME TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUGS?

At the very minimum the spark plugs should be changed based on manufacturer recommendations.  Spark plugs are designed to last a certain number of miles and even though there may be no signs of fatigue they can still be incrementally damaging other components.  There are several signs that it is time to replace your spark plugs and possibly wires. One of the most common signs is your engine will start to misfire or idle roughly. Other signs include trouble starting the engine in the morning, uneven acceleration and poor fuel economy. If you are experiencing these problems, you should have it looked at right away to avoid damage to other components such as catalytic converters.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Spark plugs are such a vital component of your vehicle it is critical to keep them well maintained. Your owner’s manual should have a recommendation as to how often your spark plugs should be replaced.

AVERAGE COST

There are several factors that might affect the cost of your spark plug replacement. Approximately $100 to $600 depending on how difficult it is to get to gain access to the plugs.